Seeking, Finding and a Promise to count on

So many of us, our neighbors, friends, and family members have been affected by the U.S. economic down turn.  Some having pay cuts, reduced hours, or even lost income.  So many times when faced in the valley as most of us are at this time, we are not sure who or what to turn to.  It was so easy when we were on the mountain top, but now...the valley...it is not so fun.  But nonetheless, we are instructed and encouraged to praise Our Lord always.

Often times, the only time we pray is in time of need.  Example...when life is on the line, when a loved one is in the hospital, or when one is hurt or suffering...we pray.  Without preaching...we are not to be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)

This leads me to a devotion I had read lately.  Are we seeking and finding? (Matt 7:7-8) "Ask, and God will give to you.  Search, and you will find.  Knock, and the door will open for you.  Yes, everyone who asks will receive.  Everyone who searches will find.  And everyone who knocks will have the door opened."

Did you catch some of those promises?  I know...perhaps some of us are asking....Where is God?  To answer this question...you must understand and believe He is everywhere you have ever been and everywhere you will ever go.  He is with us day and night; He knows our every thought; He hears our every heartbeat. 


Sometimes we think and believe in the crush of our daily lives and duties, God seems so far away.  Or sometimes, when the disappointments and sorrows of life leave us brokenhearted, God may seem distant, but He is not.  


When we earnestly seek God, we will find Him because He is here, waiting patiently for us to reach out to Him....right here...right now.


Billy Graham was once quoted saying..."Don't take anyone else's word for God.  Find him for yourself, and they you, too, will know, by the wonderful, warm tug on your heartstrings, that he is there for sure."


Now after seeking and finding Him.  We are given many promises, but here I invite you to read and consider this promise we can count on.  (James 1:12) "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."


Throughout the seasons of life, we must all endure life altering personal losses and sacrifices that leave us breathless and into uncertainty.  When we do, we are normally overwhelmed by fear, by doubt, or by both.  Thankfully, God has promised that He will never desert us.  And God keeps his promises.


Life is often, and especially now, during this economic down turn, are challenging, but as Christians, we must trust the promises of our Heavenly Father.  God loves us, and He will protect us.  In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of sorrow, He will dry our tears.  When we are troubled or weak or sorrowful, God is with us.  His love endures, not only for a season, or for today, but also for all of eternity.


I pray we set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly onto the promises and the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand each struggle and storms we face in this world.


In closing this entry...let's remember...(James 14:13) "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do."


Prayer links us with God's true purposes not just for us, but also for the world.  It not only brings the blessings of God's Will to our own lives, it also brings us the added blessing of being in sync with God's plan.


Lastly, when we have our prayers answered, we must be willing to give God the glory when he acts----no matter what the result.  


Remember...Our Lord stated to the disciples, "Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son". (John 14:13)


Let's seek...find...and in prayer...count on his promises....


Pray without ceasing....God does have a plan for everyone of  us...and most of all....remember...God is and always will be 'In Control'.


God Bless my brother and sisters.